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The possibility of some drivers being banned from driving on highways is real, but this is not a new general law, but rather individual medical restrictions indicated on the National Driver's License (CNH).
The information that drivers may be banned from driving their vehicles on highways raises concerns, but it is crucial to understand the context. This is not a new law that affects everyone, but rather possible restrictions resulting from physical and mental fitness tests, which already exist and are included on some drivers' driving licenses.
These limitations are individual and aim to ensure safety in traffic. Some drivers, due to specific conditions identified by a medical expert, may have a note on their license that restricts driving on certain types of roads, including highways.
The right to drive is not absolute: how restrictions for drivers arise
The right to drive is a license granted by the State. Just as it can be granted, it can also be suspended or restricted if the driver does not meet certain requirements. These restrictions do not mean a total ban on driving, but rather limitations for specific situations, based on an assessment of the driver's ability.
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The role of physical and mental fitness testing
Every driver applying for a first-time driver's license or renewing their driver's license undergoes a physical and mental fitness test. Popularly known as an “eye exam,” it is more complex and assesses several health conditions of the driver.
If the medical expert identifies any problem that may compromise driving safety in certain circumstances, this information must be included in the observations field on the driver's license. A common example is the letter “A”, which indicates the need to wear corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) to drive.
“T” restriction on the CNH: what prevents some drivers from hitting the road
There are a series of letters that indicate different restrictions. One of them, the letter “T” (for armadillo), is the one that specifically prohibits drivers from driving on fast-moving roads and also on highways. Fast-moving roads are urban roads without direct access to buildings, traffic lights or pedestrian crossings at level.
For drivers who have the letter “T” on their driver’s license, the ban on driving on highways practically prevents intercity or interstate travel on these roads.
It is not a new law, but an individual condition
It is important to emphasize that this prohibition for some drivers is not the result of a “new law” that bans travel on highways in a generalized manner. It is a condition that already exists in the Brazilian Traffic Code and its complementary resolutions, applied individually based on the medical evaluation during the physical and mental fitness exam.
The restriction aims to protect both the driver with the limitation and other road users, adapting the driving permission to capabilities of each one.
